Flashback to 1998: Catching up with Jason Shankey

In 1998, Jason Shankey scooped two awards at the Shell LiveWIRE Northern Ireland Finals for his business, Hackers Barber Shop.

He now runs a number of salons and has produced a Jason Shankey skincare and grooming product range. In June 2012 Jason appeared on The Apprentice offering his expert advice.

What can you remember about your involvement with Shell LiveWIRE?
I can remember being both excited and petrified at the thought of risking it all on my own business.

How have things changed for you since you won your Shell LiveWIRE award?
We have since gone on to open four Male Grooming salons and a range of men's hair and skincare products. We have three salons in Belfast and a franchised store in London. Our products are sold across the UK in stores such as Urban Retreat at Harrods and House of Fraser.

How have you had to adapt as an entrepreneur over the years?
We have to adapt every day as things don't stand still in a business! On a daily basis, we have to deal with competition, marketing, finances and cash flow. These are all skills I have learned along the way.

What has been the biggest obstacle you have overcome in business?
Taking my skincare range to market is up there with the toughest challenges I have done. With so many ranges out there, it's really difficult getting your foot in the door.

What are your top tips for a young entrepreneur about to set up in business?
Nail your business plan and be completely realistic about it. Don't be in denial that you have a great idea if you don't! Ask other entrepreneurs what they think and get as many opinions as possible. Mix this up with your market research to decide whether it will work or not.

Watch your cash flow! Cash is like the oil in an engine. Without it, your business will simply collapse.

Don't let detractors get you down! You will come across lots of people who will tell you that you'll not succeed, and you'll meet a lot of jealous people along your journey. Take their comments with a pinch of salt and move on. Remember that your journey is about your business, not the detractors!

We’re delighted to welcome Ehab Sayed to our alumni network!
As the latest winner our of Smarter Future Award, Ehab has won £5,000 to further develop his start-up, Biohm Ltd.
Biohm aims to create a healthier and more sustainable environment with their bio-based construction materials.
Find out more about June’s Smarter Future Award winner: https://go.shell.com/2OOPFFB

Posted on Aug 07 2018 09:59am

‘Due to our rising population, which is estimated to hit 10 billion people by the year 2050, resources will become strained, especially food products. Innovations in the way we produce our food, which is both sustainable and environmentally friendly, will help accommodate the population rise.’
As the global population continues to rise the way we source and produce food will dramatically change. In our latest blog, Innovate UK highlights the opportunities this creates for entrepreneurs and innovators with game-changing ideas, such as Shell LiveWIRE alumni LettUs Grow and Phytophics who are already disrupting this sector!
Head to our website to read the full article: https://go.shell.com/2Avs3D4

Posted on Aug 01 2018 10:10am

‘Ask for help. The entrepreneurial community is fantastically supportive, and most people will gladly help you.’
Douglas Martin won our £25,000 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award earlier this year for his start-up MiAlgae, which aims to eliminate the livestock industry’s reliance on fishmeal by growing microalgae rich in omega 3 and other nutrients which can be used as substitute feed.
We recently sat down with Douglas to find out more about his start-up, plans for the future and what advice he has for entrepreneurs!
Find out more in our latest Featured Business of the Month interview: https://go.shell.com/2LK3Fia